Idiopathic Neck Pain Research Articles

Clinical assessment of cervical movement sense in those with neck pain compared to asymptomatic individuals

BackgroundA simple clinical test involving subject tracing zigzag (ZZ) and figure of eight (F8) patterns with a head mounted laser device in determining cervical movement sense has proven reliability and feasibility. However, its validity in comparing individuals with and without neck pain (NP) has not been examined. MethodsSeventy-six subjects (38 NP and 38 asymptomatic subjects) performed both patterns while motion of their laser point was videoed. Independent examiners subsequently rated the videos (real-time) to record the time needed and the number of errors when completing each task. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-) for various cut-offs to optimise clinical interpretation were determined. Comparisons between 25 subjects with idiopathic neck pain versus 13 with whiplash-associated disorders were also undertaken. ResultsAll outcome variables except ZZ time were significantly different between individuals with NP and controls. Optimal cut-offs of 9 and 10 errors yielded LR+/LR- of 3.67/0.17 (F8) and 3.00/0.38 (ZZ). Whiplash patients performed the ZZ task faster with similar errors to those with idiopathic neck pain. ConclusionThe clinical utility of this inexpensive measure to assess cervical movement sense in people with NP is supported. Moderate LRs+ were demonstrated for number of errors for both patterns. Individuals with NP generated significantly more errors while tracing each pattern. Optimal cut offs of 9 errors for ZZ and 10 errors for F8 were established. Overall, these tests appear to be clinically suitable to determine altered cervical movement sense in those with NP.

Pain neuroscience education plus exercise compared with exercise in university students with chronic idiopathic neck pain

Background/Aims Neck pain is a common complaint. Its prevalence is particularly high in university students. This study examined the effects of pain neuroscience education plus exercise when compared with exercise only in university students with chronic idiopathic neck pain. Methods University students with chronic neck pain were randomly allocated to receive pain neuroscience education plus exercise, or exercise only intervention, and assessed at baseline, after the intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Pain intensity (primary outcome), disability, fear of movement, catastrophising, knowledge of pain neurophysiology, pressure pain thresholds and neck and scapular muscle endurance were measured to determine the impact of the interventions. Results It was found that disability (F=17.3, P<0.001; partial eta2=0.48), fear of movement (F=5.3, P=0.009; partial eta2=0.22), catastrophising (F=16.4, P<0.001; partial eta2=0.48) and neck extensor endurance (F=11.0, P=0.002; partial eta2=0.19) changed significantly over time. There was a significant increase in neurophysiology of pain questionnaire score for the group receiving pain neuroscience education plus exercise but not for the group receiving exercise only (group vs time interaction: F=19.8, P<0.001; partial eta2=0.51). No other significant differences were found. Conclusions Pain neuroscience education plus exercise has comparable results to exercise only, with the exception of knowledge about pain neurophysiology. The impact of this difference needs to be explored in future studies.

Associations between brain morphology and motor performance in chronic neck pain: A whole-brain surface-based morphometry approach.

Changes in brain morphology are hypothesized to be an underlying process that drive the widespread pain and motor impairment in patients with chronic neck pain. However, no earlier research assessed whole-brain cortical morphology in these patients. This case-control study assesses group-differences in whole-brain morphology between female healthy controls (HC; n = 34), and female patients with chronic idiopathic neck pain (CINP; n = 37) and whiplash-associated disorders (CWAD; n = 39). Additionally, the associations between whole-brain morphology and motor performance including balance, strength, and neuromuscular control were assessed. Cortical volume, thickness, and surface area were derived from high resolution T1-weighted images. T2*-weighted images were obtained to exclude traumatic brain injury. Vertex-wise general-linear-model-analysis revealed cortical thickening in the left precuneus and increased volume in the left superior parietal gyrus of patients with CINP compared to HC, and cortical thickening of the left superior parietal gyrus compared to HC and CWAD. Patients with CWAD showed a smaller cortical volume in the right precentral and superior temporal gyrus compared to HC. ANCOVA-analysis revealed worse neuromuscular control in CWAD compared to HC and CINP, and in CINP compared to HC. Patients with CWAD showed decreased levels of strength and sway area compared to CINP and HC. Partial correlation analysis revealed significant associations between the volume of the precentral gyrus, and neuromuscular control and strength together with an association between the volume of the superior temporal gyrus and strength. Our results emphasize the role of altered gray matter alterations in women with chronic neck pain, and its association with pain and motor impairment.

Prognostic factors for persistent pain after a first episode of nonspecific idiopathic, non-traumatic neck pain: A systematic review

BackgroundPrognosis of acute idiopathic neck pain is poor. An overview of modifiable and non-modifiable prognostic factors for the development of chronic musculoskeletal neck pain after an episode of idiopathic, non-traumatic neck pain is needed. ObjectiveIdentify prognostic factors for pain intensity and perceived non-recovery at three, six and 12 months after a first episode of idiopathic, non-traumatic neck pain. Study designSystematic review MethodsSystematic literature search up to October 21, 2017 for prospective prognostic studies with main outcomes perceived non-recovery and pain intensity. The QUIPS was used for quality assessment. ResultsOut of 2737 screened articles six prospective studies with high-risk-of-bias were identified, analyzing 47 and 43 factors for the outcome variables ‘pain intensity’ and ‘perceived non-recovery’, respectively. Based on univariate- and multivariate analyses we found moderate evidence for ‘age> 40 years’ and ‘concomitant back pain’ to be prognostic for ‘pain intensity’. For the outcome ‘perceived non-recovery’ at 12 months, we found moderate evidence for both ‘a previous period of neck pain’ and ‘accompanying headache’ as prognostic variables for persistent pain, based on univariate analysis. No prognostic factor was found which was retained in more than one multivariate analysis for the outcome variable ‘perceived non-recovery’. However, the quality of the evidence for these prognostic factors was low to very low. ConclusionThis review identifies prognostic factors for neck pain, of which only a few are modifiable. Further research is needed before drawing definite conclusions about the prognostic value of these factors.

Gait speed and gait asymmetry in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain

BackgroundRecent studies have shown that individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain (CINP) exhibit altered spatiotemporal gait parameters. Problems arising from the neck joints and related soft tissues, and most mechanical neck pain appear asymmetric. However, whether individuals with CINP have an asymmetric gait has not been clarified. ObjectivesThe aim was to investigate if there was a significant difference in gait speed (GS) and gait asymmetry (GA) between individuals with CINP and healthy controls. DesignCase-Control Study. MethodTwenty individuals with CINP and 20 healthy controls were included. All participants performed the 10-m walking test in three walking conditions: preferred walking (PW), preferred walking with head rotation and walking at maximum speed (MAXW). The timing gate system and pressure sensitive insoles were used to calculate GS and GA, respectively. GA was calculated using the difference between right and left swing durations. Results/findingsIndividuals with CINP had slower GS in all walking conditions compared to controls (p < 0.05). In PW and MAXW conditions, gait was found to be asymmetric in individuals with CINP compared to controls (p < 0.05). There was no difference in GA between the walking conditions in either group (p > 0.05). ConclusionsIndividuals with CINP had a slower and more asymmetrical gait. GA should be evaluated as a part of the routine gait analysis since it has potential to cause asymmetric loading on joints which could cause other musculoskeletal problems in the long-term. Also, future research is needed to clarify the reasons why gait is more asymmetric in individuals with CINP.

Seven cervical sensorimotor control tests measure different skills in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain

BackgroundSensorimotor control is commonly reported in neck pain research and rapidly gaining interest in clinical practice. Joint position error (conventional and torsion), postural balance, subjective visual vertical, head tilt response, The Fly®, smooth pursuit neck torsion and head steadiness are tests that have been reported to assess cervical sensorimotor control. However, it is unknown whether clinicians could use one test, or a test battery, to appropriately assess cervical sensorimotor control and improve efficiency. Our main research question is: Do seven cervical sensorimotor control tests measure unique or similar characteristics of sensorimotor control in individuals with chronic idiopathic neck pain? MethodsPrinciple components factor analysis. Data from seven cervical sensorimotor control tests of 50 participants with chronic idiopathic neck pain were included. Individual factors, potentially related to sensorimotor control, were determined by Eigen values >1.00 and inspection of a loading plot. Items with loadings ≥0.40 were considered satisfactory for inclusion in a factor. ResultsAll cervical sensorimotor control tests were found to measure unique skills. Four factors were isolated with two, postural balance and head steadiness, accounting for most of the variance across tests. The remaining two factors, continuous movement accuracy and perceived verticality, contributed less to the observed variance. ConclusionPostural balance and head steadiness were the major underlying factors explaining cervical sensorimotor control in the current sample. However, our results imply that all seven tests are independent and measure different skills. It is not possible to recommend a test battery for clinical practice, as all tests measure unique skills which appear to be independent of each other.

A single session of visual feedback improves range of motion in patients with chronic idiopathic neck pain: A randomized and controlled study.

Chronic pain is associated with cortical reorganization, and interventions targeting cortical remapping, such as visual feedback of the painful body segment, seem promising. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of visual feedback of the neck, using mirrors on pain intensity. Secondary aims were to evaluate the impact of visual feedback on neck range of motion and unadjusted cognitive processes. Pain intensity, range of motion, fear of movement, catastrophizing and anxiety were assessed before and after 10 repetitions of each of the neck movements, with (experimental group; n=21) and without (control group; n=21) visual feedback of the neck. A significant increase in the range of motion of all neck movements (p<0.05) was found in the experimental group when compared with the control group. Increases in range of motion varied between 2.5° and 3.4°. No significant effects were found for the remaining variables (p>0.05). The study findings suggest that performing a series of 10 active movements of the neck while observing the reflection of the neck in a mirror might help to improve neck range of motion. Furthermore, our results support further studies investigating the effect of longer interventions using visual feedback of the neck, either alone or combined with other interventions.

Pain Neuroscience Education and Exercise for Neck Pain: A Focus Group Study on Adolescents' Views.

To explore the views of adolescents with chronic idiopathic neck pain toward an intervention consisting of pain neuroscience education and exercise administered in the school setting. Four focus group interviews were conducted with 21 adolescents with chronic idiopathic neck pain who participated in a 4-week intervention consisting of pain neuroscience education and exercise. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis. Two main themes emerged: the perceived relevance of acquired knowledge and the perceived adequacy of the intervention. An intervention consisting of pain neuroscience education and exercise administered in the school setting is well accepted and considered relevant and appropriate by adolescents with chronic idiopathic neck pain.

Validity and Test-Retest Reliability of the Dutch Modified Perceived Deficits Questionnaire to Examine Cognitive Symptoms in Women with Chronic Whiplash, Chronic Idiopathic Neck Pain, and Fibromyalgia.

Until now, only reliability and validity of the English version of the modified Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (mPDQ) have been investigated. The aim of this study was to translate the mPDQ into Dutch and evaluate its validity and reliability as an assessment tool for self-perceived cognitive problems in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (CWAD), chronic idiopathic neck pain (CINP), and fibromyalgia (FM). A case-control study was performed with a volunteer sample of 13 women with CWAD, 18 with CINP, and 33 with FM, and 33 women who were healthy and free of pain. The mPDQ was first translated into Dutch, and its test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and discriminative power were examined. The intraclass correlation coefficients were higher than 0.74. Cronbach's α values ranged between 0.71 and 0.95. Total mPDQ scores were significantly higher (P<0.017) in FM and CWAD patients compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, participants performed the Stroop task and the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT), 2 neuropsychological computer-based cognitive performance tests. Correlations between the mPDQ total score and the cognitive performance tests were evaluated. Significant moderate to high correlations were found in all study samples between total mPDQ score and objective cognitive tests (Spearman correlation coefficient=0.35 to 0.80; P<0.05). Therefore, the Dutch version of the mPDQ showed high test-retest reliability and high internal consistency, and was able to distinguish CWAD and FM patients from healthy controls. This article presents the validity and test-retest reliability of the Dutch mPDQ. This measure could help clinicians who seek a reliable and user-friendly way to assess cognitive symptoms in chronic pain patients.

Randomized double-blind controlled study of bedtime low-dose amitriptyline in chronic neck pain.

Amitriptyline has well-established efficacy in several chronic pain conditions. While optimal treatment for chronic neck pain (CNP) remains controversial, amitriptyline was not tested for CNP. We evaluated the effect of bedtime amitriptyline in the management of CNP. A total of 220 patients suffering from idiopathic CNP were randomized to receive either placebo pill (n=108) or 5mg of amitriptyline (n=112) at bedtime for 2months. Primary outcome measure was visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Secondary outcome measures were neck pain disability index (NPDI), Bergen Insomnia Score (BIS) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), measured before and at the end of 2months of treatment, with the percentage of patient satisfaction measured at the end of follow-up only. Eight of 112 patients (7.14%) in the amitriptyline group withdrew from the study because of intolerance. Amitriptyline group showed significantly lower VAS scores than placebo group (3.34±1.45 vs. 6.12±0.92; p<0.0001), which corresponds to a 53.06±20.29% of improvement from baseline pain as compared to 14.41±11.05%, respectively (p<0.0001). Similar significant improvements were observed with lesser extents for secondary outcome measures: NPDI, BIS, HAD-A, HAD-D and percentage of patient satisfaction. Low-dose amitriptyline is effective for the management of idiopathic CNP with few side effects and high patients' satisfaction. This randomized controlled trial is the first to show the effectiveness and tolerance of a medication, low-dose amitriptyline, in managing idiopathic chronic neck pain and its related comorbidities. The optimal treatment of this condition was still controversial in the literature. It extends the indication of low-dose amitriptyline to another chronic pain condition.

Motor impairment in patients with chronic neck pain: does the traumatic event play a significant role? A case-control study

Background ContextMotor impairment is a key sign in patients with traumatic (whiplash-associated disorder [WAD]) and non-traumatic (idiopathic neck pain [INP]) neck pain. PurposeThis study aimed to analyze differences in motor impairment between two patient groups and to assess the association between motor performance and self-reported symptoms. Study DesignThis is a case-control study. Patient SampleA total of 38 patients with chronic INP, 35 patients with chronic WAD, and 30 healthy pain-free controls were included in the study. Outcome MeasuresOutcome measures used in this study were mobility (°), strength (N), repositioning accuracy (°), endurance (seconds), sway velocity (cm/s), sway area (cm2), and neuromuscular control. MethodsGroup differences of motor impairment, together with questionnaires to evaluate pain intensity, fear avoidance, pain catastrophizing, symptoms of central sensitization, and disability, were analyzed with analysis of covariance, including age as a covariate. ResultsMotor impairment was observed in both patient groups with a higher degree in patients with chronic WAD. These impairments were moderately linked to self-reported disability and were in most cases associated with pain, fear avoidance, and symptoms of central sensitization (|ρ| ranging from 0.28 to 0.59). ConclusionsMotor impairment should be addressed when treating both groups of patients, keeping in mind the association with self-reported pain and disability, fear-avoidance, and central sensitization.

Differences in white matter structure and cortical thickness between patients with traumatic and idiopathic chronic neck pain: Associations with cognition and pain modulation?

Brain alterations are hypothesized to be present in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (CWAD). The aim of this case-control study was to examine alterations in cortical thickness and white matter (WM) structure, and the presence of brain microhemorrhages in a patient group encountering chronic neck pain of traumatic origin (i.e., CWAD) when compared with a patient group characterized by nontraumatic chronic neck pain [i.e., chronic idiopathic neck pain (CINP)], and healthy controls. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate associations between brain structure on one hand and cognitive performance and central sensitization (CS) on the other hand. T1-weighted, diffusion-weighted and T2*-weighted magnetic resonance images of the brain were acquired in 105 women (31 controls, 37 CINP, 37 CWAD) to investigate regional cortical thickness, WM structure, and microhemorrhages, respectively. Next, cognitive performance, and CS encompassing distant hyperalgesia and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) efficacy were examined. Cortical thinning in the left precuneus was revealed in CWAD compared with CINP patients. Also, decreased fractional anisotropy, together with increased values of mean diffusivity and radial diffusivity could be observed in the left cingulum hippocampus and tapetum in CWAD compared with CINP, and in the left tapetum in CWAD patients compared with controls. Moreover, the extent of WM structural deficits in the left tapetum coincided with decreased CPM efficacy in the CWAD group. This yields evidence for associations between decreased endogenous pain inhibition, and the degree of regional WM deficits in CWAD. Our results emphasize the role of structural brain alterations in women with CWAD compared with CINP.

Validity and Responsiveness of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire in Patients With Neck Pain Disorders.

Study Design Longitudinal clinimetric study. Background Pain self-efficacy predicts poor recovery and mediates the relationship between pain and disability in patients with neck pain disorders (NPDs). The Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) is a frequently used instrument to measure pain self-efficacy; however, its measurement properties have never been evaluated in a group of patients with NPDs. Objectives This study aimed to assess validity and responsiveness of the PSEQ in patients with NPDs. Methods Patients with NPDs (n = 161) were included. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis was used to assess structural validity. Twelve hypotheses on expected correlations with other instruments were formulated a priori to assess construct validity. Responsiveness was evaluated in 146 patients with NPDs who underwent multimodal rehabilitation by testing 12 hypotheses on expected effect sizes, area under the curve, and correlations with change in other instruments. Results Factor analyses showed that the PSEQ is a unidimensional instrument with moderate construct validity and responsiveness (50% to 75% of hypotheses met). Validity was consistent when analyzed separately for patients with whiplash-associated disorders and idiopathic neck pain, and responsiveness was better in patients with idiopathic neck pain. Conclusion The PSEQ is a unidimensional measure of pain self-efficacy in patients with NPDs, as found by previous studies in other populations. Nevertheless, in contrast with previous studies, its construct validity and responsiveness were found to be suboptimal in NPDs, suggesting that the content validity of the PSEQ and of the comparator instruments used in this study should be better assessed. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(3):204-216. Epub 19 Dec 2017. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7605.

Tactile acuity is reduced in people with chronic neck pain

BackgroundTactile acuity deficits have been demonstrated in a range of persistent pain conditions and may reflect underlying cortical re-organisation. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether tactile acuity is impaired in people with chronic neck pain relative to controls, and whether deficits relate to pain location, duration and intensity. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 20 people with chronic neck pain (5 idiopathic neck pain; 15 whiplash-associated disorder) and 20 pain-free controls underwent two-point discrimination (TPD) testing at the neck, back and arm, and point-to-point (PTP) and graphesthesia tests of tactile acuity at the neck and arm. ResultsLinear mixed effects models demonstrated a significant group*body region interaction for TPD, Graphesthesia and PTP tests (Ps < 0.001), with post hoc tests showing impaired TPD in people with neck pain relative to controls at the neck, low back, and arm (P ≤ 0.001). Graphesthesia and PTP was also impaired at the neck (P < 0.001) but not the arm (P ≥ 0.48). TPD correlated with intensity and duration of pain (Pearson's r = 0.48, P < 0.05; Pearson's r = 0.77, P < 0.01). There was no sig difference between the two neck pain groups for any tactile acuity measure (TPD: P = 0.054; Graphesthesia; P = 0.67; Point to Point: P = 0.77), however, low power limited confidence in this comparison. ConclusionPeople with chronic neck pain demonstrated tactile acuity deficits in painful and non-painful regions when measured using the TPD test, with the magnitude of deficits appearing greatest at the neck. The study also revealed a positive relationship between TPD and pain intensity/duration, further supporting the main study finding.

An exploratory study examining factors underpinning postural instability in older adults with idiopathic neck pain

There is limited understanding of potential mechanisms underpinning postural control deficits in people with neck pain. This study examined several characteristics that might explain impaired postural stability in a group of older adults with neck pain, and compared the results in this cohort with that of asymptomatic controls. In this cross-sectional study we compared physical activity, lower limb motor and sensory function, vestibular and visual function, falls efficacy and dizziness handicap in 84 older adults with (n=35, age 69.6±6.3) and without (n=49, age 69.4±4.7) idiopathic neck-pain. Additionally, dynamic balance was assessed using the dynamic gait index (DGI) and standard and wavelet analysis of static balance was computed after data capture. Physical activity levels, lower limb motor and sensory function, vestibular function and visual contrast sensitivity were not different between groups (p>0.05). The neck-pain group demonstrated higher falls efficacy (p=0.01), greater levels of dizziness handicap (p<0.01), and higher CoP velocity measures in the moderate (1.56–6.25Hz) and low (0.39–1.56Hz) frequency bandwidths. Our results suggest that neck-pain induced postural control deficits in older adults may not be associated with the physical activity levels, lower limb motor and sensory function, or vestibular and visual function. Inferring from wavelet analysis results, we speculated that sensory re-weighting may have occurred to compensate for the deficits in neck proprioception. Further research is warranted to determine neck specific mechanisms underpinning postural control dysfunction in neck pain.

Decreased Regional Grey Matter Volume in Women with Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders: Relationships with Cognitive Deficits and Disturbed Pain Processing

Background: Patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (CWAD) are characterized by pain of traumatic origin, cognitive deficits, and central sensitization (CS). Previous neuroimaging studies revealed altered grey matter volume (GMV) in mild traumatic brain injury patients and chronic pain conditions also characterized by CS. It can therefore be hypothesized that GMV alterations also play a role in the persistent complaints of CWAD. However, brain alterations remain poorly investigated in these patients. Objectives: This study examined regional GMV alterations in patients with CWAD compared to patients with non-traumatic chronic idiopathic neck pain (CINP), who normally do not show CS at a group level, and healthy controls. Additionally, in both patient groups, relationships between regional GMV and measures of cognition as well as pain processing were assessed. Study Design: A cross-sectional case-control study. Setting: This study was performed at the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy of Ghent University in cooperation with the Ghent Institute for Functional and Metabolic Imaging. Methods: Ninety-three women (28 healthy controls, 34 CINP patients, and 31 CWAD patients) were enrolled. First, T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were acquired to examine GMV alterations in the brain regions involved in processing cognition and pain. Next, cognitive performance, pain cognitions, and CS symptoms were assessed. Finally, hyperalgesia and conditioned pain modulation efficacy were examined. Results: Regional GMV of the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex, left supramarginal cortex, and left posterior cingulate cortex was decreased in CWAD patients compared to healthy controls (P = 0.023; P = 0.012; P = 0.047, respectively). Additionally, GMV of the right superior parietal cortex and left posterior cingulate cortex was decreased in CWAD patients compared to CINP patients (P = 0.008; P = 0.035, respectively). Decreased regional GMV correlated with worse cognitive performance, higher maladapted pain cognitions, CS symptoms, and hyperalgesia in CWAD patients (rs = -0.515 to -0.657; P &lt; 0.01). In CINP patients, decreased regional GMV correlated only with worse cognitive performance (rs = -0.499 to -0.619; P &lt; 0.01), and no GMV differences compared with the controls could be revealed. Limitations: No conclusions about the causality of the observed relationships can be drawn. Conclusions: These results provide the first evidence for reduced GMV in cortical regions involved in processing cognition and pain in patients with CWAD. Accordingly, it is recommended that therapy approaches for CWAD patients should address the brain and take into account neuroplasticity of the central nervous system (CNS). Key words: Whiplash injuries, neck pain, magnetic resonance imaging, grey matter, cognitive dysfunction, pain catastrophizing, central sensitization

Validity of clinical measures of smooth pursuit eye movement control in patients with idiopathic neck pain

BackgroundElectrooculography is useful in detecting smooth pursuit neck torsion (SPNT) abnormalities in patients with neck pain, however, a validated, clinically relevant measure is lacking. ObjectivesTo explore the validity of visual assessment of formal and clinical videotaped SPNT tests in comparison to electrooculography. DesignCross-sectional observational study. MethodTwenty patients with idiopathic neck pain (INP) and twenty healthy controls performed the electrooculography SPNT test: first in neutral, then 45° trunk-under-head torsion to the left then right. The formal video test involved the participant following a horizontal laser stimulus simultaneous to electrooculography. The clinical video test was then performed where the participant followed the clinician's finger in the horizontal direction. One blinded investigator interpreted and analysed the electrooculography trace and two others interpreted the videos. ResultsPatients with INP had a significantly (p < 0.05) greater SPNT difference than healthy controls. Visual observation of the formal test had 82.5% agreement with electrooculography and showed fair sensitivity (63.5%) and good specificity (89.6) whilst the clinical test had 65% agreement with electrooculography and showed poor sensitivity (27.3%) and good specificity (79.3%). There was an 82.5% agreement between investigators for the formal video taped measure. ConclusionsVisual analysis of assessment of SPNT is sufficient for detecting SPNT abnormalities in patients with INP. Accuracy of the clinical method could be improved by, altering how the visual stimulus is presented and including subjective reporting of symptoms to aid diagnosis resulting in implications for future research.

Influence of neck torsion on near point convergence in subjects with idiopathic neck pain

BackgroundPeople with neck pain (NP) experience sensorimotor and oculomotor deficits thought to be due to abnormal cervical afferent input. Convergence insufficiency (CI) measured by near point convergence (NPC) may be a feature in NP and neck torsion might help to differentiate a cervical cause. ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate repeatability and reliability of NPC in neutral and torsion and compare between idiopathic NP and controls along with correlation to the Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS). DesignComparative cross sectional observational study. MethodA Royal Airforce (RAF) Rule measured NPC with the neck in neutral and in 45° torsion to the left and right in 42 subjects. A revised 15 item CISS was also completed. The average of 3 trials in each position and torsion difference were calculated. Within one week, NPC inter-rater and test-retest reliability was evaluated in 10 subjects. ResultsA significant NPC torsion difference was demonstrated in participants with NP compared to controls (P = 0.01). No significant differences were seen for NPC values in neutral (P = 0.73). High inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.95) and repeatability (ICC = 0.84) was obtained. No correlations were present between the CISS and NPC measures (r ≤ 0.18). ConclusionsNPC is impaired in neck torsion compared to neutral in NP supporting a cervical afferent cause. NPC, measured using the RAF Rule, is a reliable and repeatable measure and can be used to assess NPC and CI in those with NP. Objective rather than self-reported measures should be used to examine CI in NP.

Within-Session and Between-Session Reliability, Construct Validity, and Comparison Between Individuals With and Without Neck Pain of Four Neck Muscle Tests

BackgroundA variety of tests have been proposed to measure the performance of neck flexor muscles, but head-to-head comparisons hardly have been documented. ObjectiveTo compare reliability indexes, construct validity, and ability to discriminate between individuals with and without neck pain of 4 muscle tests (deep neck flexors endurance test [DNFET]; 2 variations of the craniocervical flexion test [CCFT1 and CCFT2]; and dynamometry). DesignReliability and validity study. SettingGeneral community. ParticipantsA total of 66 participants, 33 with chronic idiopathic neck pain (mean ± standard deviation pain intensity: 3.2 ± 1.9) and 33 without neck pain, from the general population. Methods/Main OutcomeNeck muscle functioning was assessed with the CCFT1, the CCFT2, the DNFET, and dynamometry on 2 separate sessions. Participants with neck pain also were assessed for pain intensity, disability, pain catastrophizing, and fear of movement. ResultsRelative reliability of all tests was at least moderate (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.62), whereas measurement error was high, particularly for the DNFET (95% minimum detectable change ≥ 23.00 seconds). All tests showed moderate correlation (r ≥ 0.3) with at least 2 pain-related measures and moderate-to-strong correlations with each other. Principal component analysis retained 2 factors explaining 68%-73% of the variance of the 4 muscle tests. Significant differences between groups were found for the DNFET and dynamometry (P < .05). ConclusionThe reliability indexes suggest that the DNFET and the CCFT may be more appropriate for group comparisons than for individual comparisons. The 4 tests seem to have construct validity, but they also seem to measure slightly different constructs. Level of EvidenceIII

Do patients with chronic neck pain have distorted body image and tactile dysfunction?

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare perceived neck image and tactile acuity between individuals with and without chronic idiopathic neck pain.Materials and methods: Perceived neck image was assessed in seven participants with chronic idiopathic neck pain and seven asymptomatic participants through participants’ drawings. Tactile perception threshold (TPT) and two-point discrimination threshold (TPD) were also assessed using Semmes–Weinstein filaments and a mechanical calliper, respectively.Results: Participants with neck pain tended to draw their neck/shoulders less symmetrically, shorter or larger than asymptomatic participants. Despite an increased overall mean for TPD in the neck pain group, no statistically significant differences were found between groups for tactile acuity (TPD: neck pain = 21.29 ± 14.21 mm, asymptomatic = 16.43 ± 16.84 mm, p > .05; TPD: neck pain = 0.17 ± 0.08 g, asymptomatic = 0.23 ± 0.17 g, p > .05).Conclusions: The results suggest that patients with idiopathic neck pain might have a distorted image of their neck. These findings need to be further investigated in future studies with larger sample sizes.